I often wonder when they look back at this gloomy chapter of our history in this great nation, where will they find the successes?

I’ll save you all the suspense. I’ll even tell you where you can find it right now, for that matter.

When they look back on this chapter, I think you’ll find success large or small will be credited to incredible amounts of undeterred passion.

Passion is undervalued and overlooked often, but it fuels everything — our choices, our ventures, our successes and our failures. I am always inspired and encouraged to look out and see evidence of passion alive and well in our own community. That’s why I encourage you all to take advantage of it as much as you can, as often as you can in this, the season with the nicest weather.

I’m happy to see more passion put behind the food we eat. Farmers’ markets are built by local growers who put passion into earth and on your plate. Local restaurateurs are also making quality and community a priority. Olfactory Hue Bistro is just one local example of the latter. Chef Daysha Amster has an infectious passion for what she does. You can taste it.

If it weren’t for booksellers like Al Casperson, the art of reading a good book would be lost. His shop is a treasure and an example of what passion can do to reignite the lost pastime of engaging one’s imagination. It’s good to read. It’s better yet these days to hold a real book in your hand.

Take your kids. Keep their brains active because despite the sad financial state of our public schools — there are educators out there who don’t let those elements get in the way of their passion to teach.

The artist next door has become the new hot trend. Thanks to social media, you can find out what they’re making and get your hands on it before its gone. Ask any artist. Your support is fuel — it breeds new work.

Passion is, truly, everywhere — from community development to big business. If you take the time to notice it, you may just find new appreciation for it. It may even inspire a bit of your own.